03/ 28/ 2002
Surprises for new employees can be enjoyable little perks or an employment nightmare. Few recently hired employees complain about discovering that a convenient, free parking place is one of the job benefits, but discovering that weekly overnight travel is one of the job expectations may cause dismay and disappointment. A union presence may be viewed as positive or negative. Strict supervision may be interpreted as providing structure or stifling creativity, depending on the individual interpretation. In today's Workshop, contributor Edith Helmich discusses why the purpose of the employment interview is to give the company and the applicant a clear view of how the person will fit into the workplace expectations and ambiance.
Sometimes the lack of information is just oversight, but sometimes a less favorable aspect of the job is minimized or concealed to make the job more appealing. If one or more of the job conditions cause many applicants to reject the job offer, it is better to let that elimination process continue. Eventually, there will be an applicant who either doesn't mind or considers the requirements in a favorable light. When a new employee mumbles, "No one told me that . . .," that person is probably already looking for another job.
In today's world, some of the job conditions that are important to applicants include the following:
- Business Travel -- Provide information about the frequency, duration, reimbursement, and other conditions.
- Advancement Opportunities -- Career ladders (or the lack thereof) should be explained, including educational opportunities, etc.
- Salary and Benefits -- Candid explanation of how the salary range and employee benefits compare to comparable companies is a wise move, particularly if the benefits compensate for a lower compensation rate.
- Time Clocks/Work Hours -- If employees are expected to be on the job by an exact time and leave at an exact time, this needs to be emphasized during the interview. Some employees flourish under the "time required to finish the job," while others prefer set hours. Whether overtime or weekend work is routinely required is an important job condition.
- Employee Involvement Opportunities/Individual Initiative -- Some jobs are structured to conform to a process, while other jobs require a creative approach and individual action. Applicants need to know how they will be required to perform.
- Social or Environment Issues -- Protecting natural resources and/or providing benefits to society are personal issues for some people. If the company or job involves social or environmental issues in some way, these should be discussed before a person is hired.
- Supervision -- A discussion of supervision (who, how and when) is an important disclosure. Supervision ranges from constant visual surveillance, periodic checks, interactive communication, to product evaluation. If video cameras are used, computer files checked, or telephone conversations monitored, prospective employees need to know in advance.
Disclosing the informal as well as the formal job expectations during the hiring process reduces employee turnover. It is not uncommon for employees to enjoy their job but dislike their work environment. Remembering that frustrated or dissatisfied employees are not likely to be successful and productive is a good reason to "tell it like it is" during the interview.
workshops.managing.wed
9.13.00
